Did you know that using active voice in your job applications can significantly increase your chances of success?
In fact, studies show that resumes written in active voice are 25% more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers.
So, if you want to stand out from the competition and make a powerful impression, mastering active voice is essential.
Active voice puts you, the applicant, at the center of the story. It allows you to showcase your skills, accomplishments, and responsibilities in a clear and impactful way.
By using phrases like ‘I achieved’ and ‘I led’ demonstrate your proactive attitude and ability to take initiative.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of active voice in job applications and provide you with valuable tips on how to write in active voice effectively.
We’ll show you how to eliminate passive language, avoid unnecessary fluff, and keep the focus on your achievements.
So, let us dive in and master active voice for powerful job applications!
What is Active and Passive Voice?
We know that active and passive voice are important concepts in writing job applications because they determine whether the subject performs an action or receives the action.
Active voice is when the subject performs the action, while passive voice is when the subject receives the action. in job applications, active voice is generally preferred as it puts the applicant at the center of the story, making the writing more impactful. It is important to use active voice examples to showcase your accomplishments and responsibilities.
On the other hand, passive voice should be used sparingly, if at all. Passive language can make writing feel weak and less impactful, so it is important to stay focused on the topic and not remove oneself from it. By using active voice can eliminate unnecessary fluff and make your job application more concise and persuasive.
Benefits of Active Voice
Incorporating active voice into my writing has had a significant impact on the effectiveness of my job application. Using active voice not only makes my writing more impactful, but it also helps me avoid passive language that can make my application feel weak and less persuasive. Here are four reasons why incorporating active voice is crucial in job applications:
- Clarity: Active voice allows me to clearly communicate my actions and achievements, making it easier for employers to understand my qualifications.
- Confidence: Active voice puts me at the center of the sentence, highlighting my proactive approach and showcasing my confidence in my abilities.
- Conciseness: Active voice helps me eliminate unnecessary fluff and write more concisely, keeping the employer engaged and interested in my application.
- Persuasiveness: Active voice helps me showcase my skills and accomplishments, making a compelling case for why I’m the best candidate for the job.
By incorporating active voice and avoiding passive language, I can create impactful and persuasive job applications that stand out to employers.
Tips for Writing in Active Voice
To effectively write in active voice, we find it helpful to focus on using strong verbs and keeping the subject of the sentence as the doer of the action. One common passive voice mistake is using the verb ‘to be’ followed by a past participle, such as ‘was done’ or ‘is completed.’
Instead, choose a more active verb that clearly expresses the action, such as ‘completed’ or ‘did.’ For example, instead of saying ‘The project was completed by me,’ say ‘I completed the project.’ This not only makes the sentence more concise but also puts the emphasis on the applicant’s actions and achievements.
By using active voice in job applications, we can create a more powerful and impactful narrative that grabs the attention of employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can active voice improve the impact of job applications?
Active voice improves job applications by emphasising the applicant’s actions, making them more impactful. It eliminates passive language, creating concise and persuasive writing. Techniques include using strong verbs and avoiding phrases like “I ensured” or “I was responsible for.”
Are there any specific examples of passive language that should be avoided in resumes and applications?
In job applications, it is important to avoid passive language like ‘I ensured’ or ‘I was responsible for.’ Instead, focus on specific actions and accomplishments. This will make your writing more impactful and eliminate unnecessary fluff.
How can removing passive language help to eliminate unnecessary fluff in writing?
Removing passive language in writing helps eliminate unnecessary fluff, improving clarity and enhancing conciseness. It strengthens impact by utilising strong verbs and avoiding weak verbs. It showcases achievements, emphasises skills, and highlights qualifications, creating a professional tone. Engaging the reader and differentiating from other applicants increases chances of getting hired.
What are common mistakes to avoid when writing in active voice?
Some common mistakes to avoid when writing in active voice include using weak verbs, overusing passive voice, and including unnecessary details. It is important to be concise, clear, and focused on the main point.
Can you provide any additional resources for further improving writing skills in active voice for job applications?
When it comes to improving writing skills for job applications, understanding the key differences between active and passive voice is crucial. Techniques for incorporating active voice in cover letters can make your application more persuasive and concise.